paniculata

Canna paniculata Ruiz & Pav.

Synonyms
amambayensis Kraenzl., Andean, Andean canna, Banana Canna, brasiliensis Bouché, brasiliensis Roscoe ex Spreng., confusa J.W.Richardson & L.B.Sm., denudata Roscoe, denudata var. grandis (Horan.) Petersen, denudata var. major Roscoe, excelsa Lodd.,	jacquinii Bouché, kunzei Kraenzl., lanuginosa Roscoe, linkii Bouché, meridensis Kraenzl., miniata Bouché, musaefolia Année, Musafolia, neglecta Steud., ottonis (Bouché) Kraenzl., roscoeana Bouché

HEIGHT Giant, over 3 metres
FOLIAGE Green
FORM Drooping
FLOWER Multi-coloured
FLOWERING Good bloomer

Canna paniculata Ruiz & Pav. is a giant species to 5m (16ft) tall; green foliage, sessile or shortly but distinctly petiolate, petiole with pulvinus, lower side of leaves mostly lanuginose; inflorescence often branched; spikes of flowers are erect, scarlet and yellow, staminodes are long and narrow, 6-10cm (2″-4″) long, composed of 6 coloured parts of about equal length; petals not reflexed; staminode one, edges regular, fully self-cleaning, good bloomer, blooms open in the early morning; fertile both ways, self-pollinating and also true to type; rhizomes are thick, up to 7 cm in diameter, coloured white and purple; tillering is prolific.

Native of southern Mexico, Costa Rica, and tropical South America, except for the Amazon Basin, at 200-2,000m (650-6,500ft).